8/08/13

"Would you give up hearing the words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant,' for relief from whatever you’re going through right now? Is the removal of some of the pressure that is now part of your life worth the price of not blessing Jesus? Will you trade all the work that is intended to be done in you just to have some ease and comfort? I know it isn’t so! So many have given up when the times got too tough. So many took the easy road of moving in their own strength when it looked as if they had to find a way to survive. I know that you can see past that immature behavior. I know that you will press on to the high calling that is intended for you. Please don’t cave in under the light pressure to which you are now called. Place your eyes on Jesus. He is your strength. He is your wisdom. He is your guide to the crucified/resurrected life. He did not fail when the cost was everything. His power is now available to you so that you will make it. Press in to Him. He will never fail you."

Genesis 25:29-33 NIV

²⁹ Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished.

³⁰ He said to Jacob, "Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!"…

³¹ Jacob replied, "First sell me your birthright."

³² "Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. "What good is the birthright to me?"

³³ But Jacob said, “Swear to me first. "So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob."

Philippians 3:12-14 NIV

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

¹³ Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

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As trailblazers to the high calling that is once again being heralded by our Father, the only precedent that is available to us is the Word and the lives of those who have gone before us, especially Jesus Christ. Whenever the Lord begins to straighten the path that His church is on, those who respond to the call back to the pursuit of holiness and the high calling of Jesus Christ are considered to be running contrary to the established norm by those traveling the well-worn road. Looking to those who will not deviate from the norm of self-comforting, socially acceptable, practical Christianity will accomplish nothing but confusion and heartache.

Most of you know that the Lord is raising up a standard against the flood of complacency in His church. The standard is Jesus Himself. Looking to Him is the only pattern to follow. Observing the lives of those who walked with Him, and understanding that they had the same dilemma in the world in which they lived, can give comfort when times get especially rough. The price paid to overcome the ways of their world - using God’s ways and not their own - was everything they had and all that they owned.

God is not able to fully use those who fold under pressure from the people around them who will not move where He wants them to go. He is calling out those who know His heart, and are determined to follow it, no matter what the cost.

Needing Your strength to make it, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/07/13

"In My economy, you are most prosperous when you own nothing with your heart and crave nothing but Me to fulfill your every desire. It is then that you are an empty vessel fit for My use. I can pour Myself into you and know that you will fill others with proper nourishment. It is a simple system. I fill you, then you empty yourself to others and come back to Me to fill you again. That is My kind of fun!"

2 Cor. 4:7 AMP

However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.

2 Chr. 16:9 NIV

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him..."

1 Cor. 4:2 AMP

Moreover, it is [essentially] required of stewards that a man should be found faithful [proving himself worthy of trust].

2 Cor. 5:20a NIV

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

2 Cor. 12:15 AMP

But I will most gladly spend [myself] and be utterly spent for your souls...

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Have you ever thought of pouring yourself out for others as fun? How about owning nothing but the love of Jesus as your wealth? We just don’t get it, do we?

We observe three separate heart positions functioning in the church body today, all called "Christianity." There is the infant heart, the growing heart, and the mature heart - one that symbolizes the bridal heart, or more simply, the kind of heart that Jesus has. You will need to know and understand these three distinctive heart positions, so that you can function properly with the Lord’s help as you encounter them – either in yourself or others.

The Infant Heart

The infant heart beats only for itself. All of the things that God does center around their needs in some way. The salvation process was for them alone. It was put in effect by God specifically for them, to make them safe after they die.

The Bible is simply a book of promises that they can call upon to relieve their hurts in time of need. God is perceived as this wonderful benefactor, who is waiting for their next need to occur, so that He can help them through it; and prayer is solely a channel by which they can make their needs known.

In essence, everything that God has done, is doing, and will do hinges upon the perception that mankind is at the center of it all; and they have somehow tapped into this incredible opportunity. So, God is all about them and for them alone. There is no need to go any further; it is enough, and it is very good.

You are so patient with us, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/06/13

"Please don’t forget that everything that happens to you is part of the training to equip you for greater things. Remember how far you’ve come. Remember from where you came. Look how different you are now than when you first came to Jesus. There was a time when you couldn’t or wouldn’t embrace proper things. There was a time when you had no hope. Now you are part of My family. You belong. You are completely accepted. If you focus on the difficulties of your training, you will miss the wonders of what has and is being accomplished. Turn your eyes toward Jesus. Remember!"

Rom. 8:28 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

2 Cor. 3:18 AMP

And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.

Heb. 12:2-3 NIV

²Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

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So often we get so caught up in the circumstances that surround us that we forget the wonders of those things that have accompanied us along the way of our lives. Remember first love? Remember the first time you discovered that Jesus was real? Remember the astounding relief of forgiveness? Remember the wonder of belonging, really belonging to your new loving Father? Remember how mundane the world was and the useless days that were spent pursuing nothing important?

Teach me to never forget, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/05/13

"You need to turn your heart around. Instead of focusing on yourself, you need to invest in other people. That is the heart of Jesus. He cared nothing for Himself, even unto death. His life on this earth was purposeful in the pursuit of the well-being of others. You are to do the same. I place My children in your path so that you can turn your heart toward their best interest. Instead of caring that they become all that they can be in Me, you consume them upon yourself in any way that you can. Then you set them aside when they are of no further use to you. Where is the compassion of Jesus in your life? Turn your heart now. I need you to exhibit His love."

Rom. 15:1-7 NIV

¹ We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

² Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.

³ For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."

⁴ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,

⁶ so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁷ Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

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The church of Jesus Christ is a motley gathering of former reprobates, unusual characters, and hard-hearted, self-serving former sinners—and those are our better characteristics. Father God, however, has chosen to call us His own. He has raised us out of the depths of our sin, and placed our face in the direction of wholeness. Why is it that, as soon as we have the ability to even see straight and breathe some fresh spiritual air, we become proud and self-serving in our salvation; instead of remembering how grateful we should be for it?

It’s really time to honor God by loving each other as Jesus loved us. Is not the highest form of praise the emulation of the One whom we are praising? Is not our praise to Him just empty words and spiritual gymnastics if we do not love our brother and sister the way that He loved us?

Change my heart, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/03/13

"Be encouraged; I am with you. I notice you. I am moved when you come to Me. I am always for you."

Proverbs 18:10 NIV

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Hebrews 13:5b AMP

…for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

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The thought of a loving, all-powerful God noticing His children brings peace to My heart. Remember that you are noticed and cherished today. You are valuable!

Thank You for the reminder, Lord,

Jim Corbett

8/02/13

"You need to understand that every circumstance that is placed in your life is for your good. It is designed for your optimum spiritual growth, even though it does not look like it. I am training you. I am building you up so that you will be strong in the power of My might. Understand this. You will overcome. By knowing Jesus, you cannot fail. You are so much more informed than those who do not have Our relationship. You can tap into the well that never runs dry. You can come to Me for comfort and counsel that is never wrong. How many people can really say that? I am for you and never against you. I have your best interests at heart. Even notice how I am encouraging you now. I know your need.

Today is not the time for chastisement. Today is the time for a warm gift from your ABBA. Enjoy it. I know that you need rest. You have endured much lately; I understand that. Embrace the time of rest for what it is. There will again be time for rigorous training. Take pleasure in My comfort to you. You will make it. I assure you of that."

Hebrews 12:12-13 NLT

¹² "So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs.

¹³ Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong."

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Tony walked around the newly-completed house for one final inspection. As he turned the corner on the north end of the building, he saw Mr. Baxter’s new Lexus pull up into the driveway. An intense hatred for this man who had been his boss for twenty years swelled in his heart.

"Twenty years of my sweat bought that car," he said to himself.

The last straw and the determining factor that caused him to submit his resignation was Mr. Baxter’s audacity in asking him to build this stupid house, probably for one of his rich friends. "I want it built first-class," Baxter said in his usual, condescending tone. "It’s important to me that it be well-built, do you understand?" Tony grudgingly acknowledged the command, but seething hatred covered every moment throughout the project. Because of his already hectic schedule and his work overload, Tony was furious that he was asked to do this additional task. "Today is the day. Today, I’m going to tell him that it’s all over. I can’t take this any longer."

As he neared the car, Tony remembered all of the subtle ways he had used the construction project to vent his anger for the times over the years that he was expected to work long hours for nothing; or how, when he did get a raise in pay, it hardly met his increased living expenses.

"I can’t even buy my own house," he thought. "And even if I could, I wouldn’t have the time for it."

Although this house looked beautiful, Tony made sure that the people for whom he had built it would someday look at Baxter with disdain, possibly even hatred, because of the trouble they were having with it. The use of inferior products wherever they could be hidden and marginal contractors insured premature deterioration and aging. Although everything looked in order, plaster cracks, leaks and a myriad of other problems would eventually be the plight of whoever lived there. But he would be gone, and it would be Baxter’s problem. That simple thought gave Tony the quiet satisfaction of personal revenge. He will have gotten back at this self-centered, pompous fool.

By the time Tony reached the car, Mr. Baxter had gotten out and was looking at one of the discount shrubs near the driveway. It was already showing signs of wilting.

"Is everything completed to your satisfaction?" Mr. Baxter spoke, just as Tony was about to tell him of his decision to quit, now that the project was over.

"Yes, sir," was Tony’s immediate, somewhat off-balance response. Tony resisted his almost overpowering need to vent all of the built-up hatred he felt for this man, who was always in control, always dominating him.

"So, it’s finished first-class," Mr. Baxter continued, before Tony could again say anything.

"Yes, sir, it is," Tony assured him. Knowing the truth about how shabbily the house was really built brought a smile to his face. He loved finally getting back at this man.

"Well, then," Mr. Baxter began, "it’s yours. Thank you for all of the loyal service you’ve given me over the years."

Mr. Baxter smiled back and handed Tony the keys to the front door.

Even our worst trials are for our gain.

Jim Corbett

8/01/13

"What are you going to do when others come against you? How much are you going to hate when someone wants to harm you, take your possessions, or even take your life? Where in My Word does it say that there is a time for you to stop loving your enemies? I know that you have noticed drastic changes in your world that seem to have happened overnight. It is because a new season has been released by Me in the heavenlies and you are now feeling the beginning stages of its impact. Events will now unfold with increasing speed toward the coming of My Son.

You must implement what I have been telling you for a long time. You must love as My Son loved, or you will hate those who come against you, causing you to bring discredit to Me. You must forgive everyone or you will not be able to flow in My power when I need you. You must join the war against your hardened heart or you will not be obedient when you are called upon. You will not see the logic in My directions; and because you have not learned to move with Me - no matter how foolish My command may seem to you - you will not be useable by Me. You will be hamstrung by your own logic.

Soon, all that I have asked you to learn to this point will be needed. There is little time left. Remember My past lessons and do what it takes to fully embrace them. When they are needed for you to overcome the very imminent challenges ahead, it will be too late to try to learn to apply them to your life. Change now. Draw close now. Repent of your foolishness now. Soon it will be too late. If you have ears to hear, hear Me now!"

2 Tim 1:6-7 AMP

⁶ That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination].

⁷ For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit} of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

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Many years ago, I was given a posture in prayer that has impacted my life more than I could ever have understood at the time. A humble servant of God passed on what, at the time, seemed like a little tidbit that he had heard somewhere. Little did I realize that it came directly from the throne room of God to me.

I was struggling with praying for someone who had harmed me in a great way. I knew that it was important to turn the harm around and eliminate the destruction that holding a grudge would cause. I knew I had to pray for his best interests, but I also wanted to hold him accountable for his actions.

For months, it was impossible for me to have any peace. I couldn’t pray properly. I couldn’t minister. In fact, I was very difficult to live with. I knew that the Lord was doing something important in me, but I wasn’t sure that I wanted to be part of His plan. Deep down, I wanted revenge. I had been hurt, and I wanted somehow to get back.

One day this person, seeing my quandary, came to me and said he had the answer. He told me to pray only this single prayer for that individual. "Father, flood him with the same mercy that you have given me." Something so simple would soon change my life.

I began to pray that prayer out of simple obedience, almost mechanically, over and over and over. Soon, the Holy Spirit began to reveal the "rhema" of that prayer little by little. (Rhema is the God-anointed, empowered heart understanding that can only come from the Holy Spirit, as He ministers directly to your heart.)

Finally I understood the stronghold in which Satan had me. When I realized that I constantly needed the same mercy that I was required to give, everything began to change. Lesson upon lesson unfolded as I prayed that simple prayer. In fact, so many lessons came my way, that I am now empowered with a tool that is usable to destroy many strongholds. What I learned then, I have needed often and will soon need again.

Remind me of what You have done in me so far, Lord,

Jim Corbett